Component tracking solution via 'fingerprint'

In times of highly networked production processes and global supply chains, it is a challenge for the industry to trace individual components of complex products in retrospect. RFID tags, DataMatrix codes and even chemical markers are being used for the identification of high-priced components. However, for reasons of practicality, the complete traceablity of components and production histories in mass production is also necessary, because even the smallest and -- what may at first glance appear to be -- most insignificant parts can compromise the quality of a complex and expensive end product. "Therefore, practical and at the same time inexpensive 'track & trace' solutions are required for small, price-sensitive items, such as electrical connectors or spark plugs. Labels or special markers often prove to be too expensive or technically impracticable," explains Dr. Alexander Förste, project manager of "Track & Trace Fingerprint" at the Fraunhofer IPM. "In order to tackle this problem, we have developed an efficient traceability system for mass components using 'Track & Trace Fingerprint', which enables the individual recognition and authentication of individual components."

Mass components are also unique

The new Fraunhofer technology uses the individual surface micro-structure and color texture of components and semi-finished products. First, a selected area of the component with all its specific structures and position is recorded with a high-resolution industrial camera. A characteristic bit sequence -- the fingerprint -- is computed from the resulting image and assigned to an individual ID. This pairing is then stored in a database. The ID can then be linked with further information such as measurement or production data. In order to identify a component later on, the process is simply repeated -- a reconciliation process of the data after the image was recorded reliably and exactly provides the corresponding fingerprint code and thus further individual features of the component.

"It is forbidden to engrave a serial number or barcode on the sealing surface as well as on the decorative surface. Our new approach, on the other hand, is efficient, practical and cost-saving where mass components are concerned: a wide range of materials is suitable for this type of marker-free traceability -- from smooth plastics to aluminum and from cast iron to painted surfaces," explains Förste. "Every second, the device can unambiguously identify the stochastic 'fingerprint' of a component even in batch sizes of several 100,000 pieces; this allows an allocation of component-related data in the production cycle. Since no additional markers or IDs are attached to the product, this system is not only tamper-proof but also very economically feasible. Ultimately, no additional quantity-related costs are incurred." Due to the large number of possible measuring points, the robust object recognition works reliably even in case of interfering influences such as contamination or scratches.

No process optimization without traceability

Complete and marker-free traceability over the entire manufacturing process creates a tangible added value, especially in industries with high quality standards such as the automotive industry or medical technology. Fraunhofer IPM has already deployed a first prototype of the new process in the "Track4Quality" project. Moreover, a pilot installation will be put into operation with a partner from the automotive supply industry during the second half of 2017. "Our technology clearly demonstrates how the networking of digitization and measuring technology in conventional production processes works in practice against the backdrop of the fourth industrial revolution," says Förste. The quality of complex industrial products can depend on the quality of each individual component. If only one single faulty connector costing just a few cents endangers the functionality and longevity of a complex electronic control box of, for example, a car, then all installed connectors are considered to be a liability. Our procedure prevents such costly and cost-intensive operations in the production and value chain." If manufacturing companies are able to trace even the smallest key components quickly and unequivocally in mass production, they will be able to benefit from decisive process optimization -- for example, in the improvement of production and assembly processes, in the case of necessary product recalls or for recycling.